Lower Back Pain in Sitting vs. Standing
Does sitting really cause back pain? In my opinion…NO!
Here are two different scenarios:
- Hurt more standing and get relief upon sitting
- Hurt more sitting and get relief upon moving around or standing
What are the possible reasons for these situations:
In number one, bad posture and muscle imbalances may be causing the pain. Particularly when there is excessive anterior pelvic tilt, such as when the psoas and/or quadriceps muscles are too tight, pain in the standing posture can be present.
Another issue that can be the cause of pain while standing, especially when there is no pain for a short time, then the pain gradually comes on, is due to ischemia. That is, lack of blood flow to muscles. This is usually due to the type of situation that I just described about anterior pelvic tilt, but there can definitely be biochemical causes of ischemia.
Either way, in this situation, you are likely to say “When I get off my feet, whether that be sitting or laying down, my pain goes away.”
In the number 2 situation, there can also be issues with ischemia, particularly if you have a desk job and sit “hunched” over a computer for 8 hours per day!
Another potential reason is that there may be a structural problem with the spine itself. When a disc bulge is present, sitting can make you feel worse than standing. Why? Because pressures on the spine are significantly higher during sitting than standing.
When I work with patients with disc bulges, I suggest that if possible, they transition their sitting work stations into standing work stations. Yes, it does suck to stand all day, but it’s FAR less painful, and can dramatically speed up the healing process.
The other thing that can cause you to have more pain in the sitting position that relieves upon standing is either spinal disc degeneration, or spinal stenosis. Both of these situations can be related, since they both involve loss of height in the spinal discs, thus increasing pressure on the nerves that exit the spine.
However, just as well, you can have no pain in the seated position, but still have one of these conditions. I have seen patients with other types of spinal derangements, who have no pain sitting, because they sit in such a way that does not increase the pressure on the area that which is dysfunctional!
Bottom line…
Neither is “bad” for you if you have back pain, but either of which CAN make you hurt more depending on what is causing your pain.
–Sam Visnic
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One Comment on Lower Back Pain in Sitting vs. Standing
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WILLIAM on
Tue, 7th Sep 2010 10:04 am
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"Having someone like Sam to refer my patients to who is as comprehensive, brilliant and caring as he is makes my job so much easier!! I feel assured that my patients are in good hands and are going to get the results they so desperately want. I highly recommend Sam to anyone who is looking to resolve their back pain easily and effectively!”
-Dr. Holly Lucille N.D., R.N. -
“I've used Sam on more than one occasion to help me with back pain issues. As a full time web designer I often spent too many hours sitting behind the pc which led to chronic back pain. I started working with Sam a few years ago and his knowledge and insight helped me to alleviate my back pain issues and even improve my posture. Whenever I start to have back pain issues I just re-implement the tools and techniques he showed to me and in no time my back pain goes away. He really is the back pain specialist!”
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Owner, Stellar Media Group -
“Sam is an excellent mind/body fitness coach & trainer. When it comes to eliminating complex back problems, Sam's your man. He is passionate about his work and dedicated to healing his clients. I highly recommend his services.”
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Author, "Manage Your Mind, Master Your Life" -
“In my experience it is rare to find a health practitioner who consistently cures the underlying issues, and successfully drives to total wellness. Sam has become our trusted family 'health support system' because he is one of those rare people. He has successfully helped my mother in law, sister, wife, daughter, and myself cure what western medicine has been unable to. We highly recommend Sam ... plus he's a cool guy !”
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HealthSource Chiropractic and Progressive Rehab